Destination guidePeru
29 Things to Do in Lima (2026)
Lima, Peru, established as the "City of Kings" in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro, serves as a primary center for historical and architectural study in South America.
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The city’s layout in the Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, follows a grid pattern known as the "Damero de Pizarro." This area contains significant examples of colonial and republican architecture, including the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, and the Archbishop’s Palace. A notable architectural feature of the city is its ornate carved wooden balconies, which characterize many buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries.
- 29 spots
- 7 must-try dishes
- Researched November 2026
- 24 sources
Must-try in Lima7 dishes
Ceviche Limeño Where to order it in Lima
Anticuchos de Corazón Where to order it in Lima
Causa Limeña Where to order it in Lima
Nikkei Tiradito Where to order it in Lima
Picarones Where to order it in Lima
Tacu Tacu Where to order it in Lima
Pollo a la Brasa Where to order it in Lima
The short answer
- The top things to do in Lima, from 24 sources researched November 2026, start with:
- Museo de Arte de Lima
- Lima Cathedral (Urb Cercado de Lima)
- Basílica and Convent of San Francisco | Lima (Urb Cercado de Lima)
- Mercado Central (Barrios Altos)
- Love Park (Miraflores)
- 7 must-try dishes are on the map, each with the places to order them.
29 places worth your time in Lima
Things to see and do
Museo de Arte de Lima
Why it’s on the map
Located within the historic Palacio de la Exposición, this institution serves as the definitive survey of Peruvian art from ancient times to the present.
Parque de la Exposición, Av. 9 de Diciembre 125, Lima 15046, Peru
Lima Cathedral
Why it’s on the map
Located on the eastern side of the Plaza Mayor, this cathedral is a premier example of colonial religious architecture, blending Baroque and Neoclassical styles.
Plaza de Armas de Lima, Jirón Carabaya s/n, Lima 15001, Peru
Basílica and Convent of San Francisco | Lima
Why it’s on the map
This 17th-century Baroque monumental complex is one of the most significant architectural legacies of the viceroyalty era.
XX3F+P6Q, Jr. Lampa, Lima 15001, Peru
Love Park
Why it’s on the map
Perched on the cliffs of Miraflores, this park is defined by its vibrant mosaic-covered walls and the central bronze sculpture 'El Beso' (The Kiss) by artist Víctor Delfín.
Mal. Cisneros, Miraflores LIMA 18, Peru
Tourist Attraction
Wildlife Refuge · Chorrillos
Museum · Urb Sauzalito
University · Urb la Viñita
Museum · Miraflores
Art Museum · Urb Confraternidad
Museum · Urb el Carmen
Tourist Attraction · Barranco
Where to eat
See the full Lima food guide: where to eat and what to order.
Mercado Central
Why it’s on the map
Led by Virgilio Martínez and Pía León, this venue offers a journey through Peru's varying altitudes.
Jr. Ucayali 615, Lima 15001, Peru
Peruvian Restaurant · Urb Cercado de Miraflores
Peruvian Restaurant · Urb Sauzalito
Restaurant · Urb las Palmeras Etapa 1
Bakery · La Molina
Coffee Shop · Urb Cercado de Lima
Dessert Shop · Fund Oyague
Coffee Shop · Urb Cercado de Miraflores
Peruvian Restaurant · Urb Tejadita
Restaurant · Urb Santa Cruz
Place to eat
Seafood Restaurant · Urb Cercado de Miraflores
Restaurant · C. Ignacio Merino
Restaurant · Urb Tejadita
Shops and markets
Pastry Shop · Barranco
Shopping Mall · Fundo Monterrico Chico
Shopping Mall · Miraflores
24 more places on the map
13 to eat · 8 to see and do · 3 to shop · 7 must-try dishes with where to order each
Start
When is the best time to visit Lima?
- The best time to visit Lima is during the summer months from December to April, when the city enjoys sunny skies and warm temperatures averaging 75-80°F (24-27°C). From May to November, the city is covered in a thick coastal mist called "la garúa," resulting in grey, humid, and overcast conditions that obscure ocean views. While summer is peak tourist season with higher prices, the off-peak winter months are ideal for those prioritizing Lima’s world-class culinary scene rather than outdoor sightseeing or beach activities.
How do I get around Lima?
- International and Domestic Flights Most travelers arrive via Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Callao. It serves as the primary hub for major international carriers and domestic airlines like LATAM and Sky Peru, which connect Lima to other regions such as Cusco in about 90 minutes.
- Ride-Hailing Apps (Uber and Cabify) Using apps like Uber or Cabify is widely considered the safest and most reliable way for tourists to navigate the city. These services offer fixed pricing, GPS tracking, and door-to-door convenience, helping travelers avoid the safety risks and price negotiations common with street taxis.
- Metropolitano (Bus Rapid Transit) The Metropolitano is an efficient BRT system that uses dedicated lanes to bypass Lima's heavy traffic. It connects 12 major districts, including Miraflores and the Historic Center; passengers must purchase a reloadable Lima Pass card at stations to use the service.
What should I know before visiting Lima?
- Use official ride-hailing apps like Cabify or Uber instead of hailing street taxis to ensure safety and transparent pricing.
- Note that a 10% service charge is often added to restaurant bills, but leaving an additional 5-10% cash tip for good service is customary.
- Keep your phone and valuables out of sight in crowded public areas and keep vehicle windows rolled up in heavy traffic.
- Dress in layers to accommodate Lima's 'garúa' mist and carry small denominations of Soles for markets and small vendors.
What’s new in Lima in November 2026?
- The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2026: Lima is hosting the prestigious global awards ceremony for the first time today, November 4, 2026, solidifying its status as the world's culinary capital.
- ISA World Surfing Games 2026: This Olympic qualifying event begins this week (November 6–15) at Punta Rocas, drawing the global surfing community to Lima's southern beaches.
Research receipt
How this Lima guide was researched
- Live web search, 14 of 14 research areas completed.
- Places verified against real place data — address, hours and coordinates come from the place record, not the article.
- Researched November 2026. A newer build for Lima replaces this page automatically.
Sources checked
Planning questions
What are the top things to do in Lima?
Start with Museo de Arte de Lima, Lima Cathedral, Basílica and Convent of San Francisco | Lima, Mercado Central, and Love Park: the places Varedelo's research (from 24 sources researched November 2026) puts first, each with its reason in the list on this page. All 29 places are pinned on the Lima map.